Study urges dog breeding reform to prioritise welfare over appearance

A new study published in the Animal Welfare journal, led by Associate Professor Helle Friis Proschowsky and Professor Peter Sandøe of the University of Copenhagen, alongside researchers from the UK, the US, and Canada, calls for profound changes in dog breeding practices. The study argues for prioritising canine health and welfare over appearance-driven breeding standards.

Titled A New Future for Dog Breeding, the research raises concerns about the genetic health of purebred dogs, which are often affected by inherited disorders and health issues linked to the selection of extreme physical traits. It also examines broader trends in the dog breeding landscape, including the declining influence of traditional kennel clubs, the rise of designer breeds like Cockapoos and Labradoodles, and the growing popularity of mixed-breed dogs.

While genetic diversity in mixed breeds and designer dogs can reduce the likelihood of some inherited conditions, the study cautions that these dogs are not immune to health or behavioural issues.

The findings echo concerns previously highlighted by the UK Government’s Animal Welfare Committee about the welfare implications of breeding for extreme physical characteristics and the need for systemic reform.

The authors propose a science-based framework for change, encouraging breeders, regulators, and policymakers to adopt the following measures:

• Remove traits from breed standards that promote extreme physical features harmful to health.
• Avoid shutting down kennel and breed clubs entirely but instead establish formal breeding registers to improve genetic diversity, ensure traceability, and reduce uncontrolled breeding.
• Introduce legislation to apply welfare reforms across the entire dog population, not just pedigree dogs, which are often the focus of breed-specific health initiatives.
• Support the use of modern genetic tools to select against disease-predisposing genotypes and phenotypes.

Commenting on the findings, Associate Professor Proschowsky said, “With the paper we want to stress the urgency of action in the field and present some ways to move forward. Next, we wish to add some evidence-based nuances to some of the statements that are often heard in the public debate.

“This includes the argument that mixed breeds or designer breeds are always healthier, and that the whole concept of breeds should be abandoned. Our main message here is that what is needed is not to give up organized breeding of dogs but to breed with the aim of having future dogs who are healthy.”

The study calls for collaboration among breeders, veterinary professionals, geneticists, and policymakers to create balanced and effective reforms – as well as urging the dog breeding community to shift its focus from prioritising physical appearance to safeguarding the health and welfare of dogs.

The post Study urges dog breeding reform to prioritise welfare over appearance appeared first on Dogs Today Magazine.